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Forcing Him To Make Hard Choices
Cargo 3120: Ties that Bind follows a retired mercenary on one last mission, which ends up in the middle of a galactic power struggle to control the new energy source. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The efforts to find viable alternative energy sources for fossil fuels in our world today was a major part of that inspiration. For our story, the creative team, Daymond C. Roman, Lloyd Walker Jr., and I wanted to raise the stakes. In our universe, the powers that be left the energy crisis unaddressed for far too long. Now, the need for a new energy source is critical, as countless terraformed planets and moons across the galaxy are in jeopardy. Specifically, the technology that these planets rely upon to maintain their modified atmospheres are on the verge of failing due to the growing scarcity of the existing energy source: Krillium Ore. In Cargo 3120, Marcus finds himself caught in the middle of that power struggle, forcing him to make hard choices that will forever change his life, and the life of his family.
Captain Marcus La’Dek endures a great deal in this novel and has to make difficult choices at times. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Our goal for character development for Marcus, as well as the rest of the characters, was very simple. We wanted to make characters that feel real, even though they exist in the distant future. The reason for this was so the readers would hopefully make a real connection with them, and would want to follow them throughout the series. We didn’t want an action hero that existed for the sake of just being an action hero. Likewise, we didn’t want villains that existed for the sake of being “the bad guy”. In the case of Marcus, while he does have skills from his former occupation, he also has many things in his life that drive him to do the things that he does. He’s not perfect. I believe that Marcus having these flaws is something to which we all can relate, thereby making him feel more “real” in the process.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
As I started writing the book, I wasn’t shooting for any specific theme. I just wanted to tell the story the way I saw and heard it in my head. However, there were a number of themes that did emerge during the course of telling the story. Themes such as the power of family bonds, love, redemption, and even forgiveness. But there were also other themes that emerged, such as revenge, betrayal, and the fact that our actions have consequences. And that in the end, you have to step up and take responsibility for your actions.
Where does the next book in the series take the characters?
Because cargo 3120 is intended to be an ongoing series, the second book will pick up where the first book ended. It’s difficult to tell you exactly what happens without giving anything away, but what I can say is that the next book largely takes place on the war torn planet of Bion IV, the home world of one of the characters. I intended to release book two last year, but due to health and other personal reasons, I was unable to meet that goal. The good news is that I’m back on track, with plans to release the book this year. And I want everyone to know that I’m working hard to make sure that the second book (subtitled: “Severed Ties”), will be worth the wait.
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Fans of Star Wars, Dune, and Star Trek buckle up…
…because there’s another intergalactic franchise that’s about to suck you into a futuristic adventure like you’ve never experienced before!
The year is 3120 and the Milky Way is in turmoil. Each alien race, including humans, is fighting over the scraps of what’s left of Krillium, the current energy source.
But there’s a new source of energy on the horizon: Ladium Crystals…
…And that’s about to change everything as the powers of the universe jockey for control, knowing whoever gets control of this precious resource will reign supreme within the galaxy.
It all starts when Captain Marcus La’Dek, a retired mercenary fulfilling one last mission to help his old buddies, unknowingly finds himself right smack in the middle of this galactic power struggle when he transports mysterious CARGO to the outer reaches of the stars.
If you’ve been searching for the next big book, this is it!
This action-packed science fiction novel is a high-octane, fast-moving adventure that will literally reach out and grab your attention from chapter one and not let you catch your breath until you’ve reached the last page!
Cargo 3120: Ties that Bind has received multiple honorable mentions:
Honorable Mention – 2022 Beach Book Festival
Honorable Mention – 2022 San Francisco Book Festival
Disintegration
The gripping fourth installment in the Magicium series by T.N. Baldwin, Disintegration, brings the characters of Logan, Blessing, Junior, and Carla to their rightful places in the world. As they prepare to defend their beliefs, they face challenges from various sources, including the formidable Mistress and the Stonefish. However, their strength and determination to protect their loved ones are more vital than ever.
Baldwin’s exceptional character development skills are on full display, and it is a pleasure to witness the growth of the characters in the book. The author also builds upon the established world of the previous books with finesse, making for a seamless transition into the story. While Disintegration deviates from its predecessors by focusing more on politics than action, it is still a valuable addition to the series. However, it may not entirely live up to the expectations of readers who were anticipating the same level of magical battles and experimentation found in Discoveries and Disruptions. The slow build of action is a deviation, but a needed one to give readers the whole story. The characters must learn to lead beyond the battlefields and embrace the challenges that come with uniting nations. Sometimes survival is more than being the strongest or most powerful. They must all learn to know who to trust and who to watch to survive.
Overall, Disintegration is a well-written dystopian fantasy book and gives readers a different perspective than the prior novels. The political focus is intriguing and thought-provoking. The character development is deepened, and readers are shown new sides to the heroes they have grown to love in the past. The book ends on a high note, leaving readers eager for the final installment, Dissidents.
Pages: 711 | ASIN : B097ZZB1K8
Their Love For Each Other
Battlegrounds follows a shipping captain and former slave who become involved in the abolitionist cause during the Civil War, working against the Confederacy. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As to inspiration, you might say I was curious for where I lived near Vancouver BC, there were hardly any black people living there other than Hogan’s Alley a black enclave in Vancouver’s downtown area (later torn down for an expressway). American history, especially the Civil War era before, during and after came to my attention in an American History course I took at UBC (University of British Columbia).
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Well the major national themes were the issue of slavery, then abolitionism followed by succession of Southern States leading to civil war. Others were more localized such as racism in Boston not only in the white society (burning of the black church, the violent protests etc) but the black as well as demonstrated in the funeral gathering in warehouse #3. Finally on a personal level the effects of racism on John Saxton and Virginia as they struggled to clarify their love for each other despite the opposition from her parents and his high society mother.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
Ah research, research! For every hour writing there was 2 hours of research or more. 14 years ago when I wrote the four books which later became the MATARI series, the internet was more honest, more reliable than it is today. Because of my geog/hst majors at UBC and a 21 year teaching career in High School Social Studies, I was able to find the material I needed to embellish a story that would educate as well as entertain the reader. Later on I added pictures of various sorts to bring the characters, the settings and the book’s plot to life. In doing so, it gave the reader a better sense of the story. Along with thousands of notes scribbled down after watching historical TV shows, reading books, hearing a certain word worthy phrase or late at night getting an idea, I persevered but only after double checking the veracity of the information.
Can you tell us where the book goes and where we’ll see the characters in the next book?
As thousands of books of hist/fic are published anew each year around the world, very few really make an impact or become a commercial success because of it. Famous hist/fict authors such as Ken Follett and Wilbur Smith have an advantage after writing many books that became best sellers. But they too had to start from scratch as I have done. Right now BATTLEGROUNDS is selling but slowly. As a writer I’m not in the same class as the aforementioned titans. Therefore the pictures etc. Hopefully have come to my rescue as well as my characters both real and fictional. In the next book THE DIE GAME, the characters remain the same, both good and evil as war descends upon them in all its fury. Here the tension escalates as characters we love die, or are horribly wounded or driven mad. War is all hell as Gen Sherman once said and thus Book 2 is living proof of that.
I did 2 tours of the South to meet the descendants of slaves, visit plantations of note, take photos, visit museums, battlefields, cities etc. relevant to the novels, and to clarify my internet research as to its accuracy.
Author Links: GoodReads
A supporting cast of unforgettable characters are caught up in a web of murder, dark secrets and political intrigue. Arrayed against them are two arch villains Horatio Garrow and his hapless henchman Harley Blackstone.
Saxton and his beautiful black bride Virginia survive a dangerous milieu of Confederate espionage, high treason and the siege of Fort Sumter all brought to the fore by one man…..President Abraham Lincoln.
Who Is The Real Fugitive?
Fugitive Mage follows two lovers that are torn apart and their struggle to return to one another while learning about themselves and their abilities. Where did the idea for this novel come from, and how did it develop over time?
My initial vision was to have Mage Everand sent on a simple mission, where he’d discover a whole different world, realise his journey was far more complex than he’d imagined, and lose his heart along the way.
Lamiya and her dragon boat exploded into chapter two of book one, and the mission went awry from that instant! Mage Everand and Lamiya are very different characters, from entirely different cultures, so their overwhelming attraction was always going to present several challenges, let alone being forbidden under Guild Law.
The idea for the torn-apart struggle aspect, really, was in unravelling Mage Everand’s analytical, closed-off mage persona. Through the actions he’s forced to take, his foundation sense of identity is brought into question, along with his loyalties, beliefs, and trust in not only his Guild but his long-term master. His literal being pulled and translocated between two different worlds, led to the two lovers being separated over and over — which upped the romance stakes as well as Everand’s journey arc.
Lamiya began as an effervescent, gorgeous and skilled boat captain, but a woman who was grieving for her lost parents with little sense of her future and not realising how much she is admired by others. She surprised me with the layers, abilities and depths she gained, rising to really challenge Everand in book three. For this I thank my manuscript assessor (Dr Liz Monument), who made some constructive comments about the role of the dragons — and the beasts then entwined themselves around Lamiya and her destiny.
Your characters are wonderfully emotive and relatable. Were you able to use anything from your own life to inform their character development?
Thank you! One of my creative writing teachers once said that our characters always bear facets of ourselves … and I do know where Everand gets his moralistic sense of fairness from, as well as his over-thinking, planning mind. My parents (a composer and a social worker) brought me up to consider the consequences of my decisions and actions, and taught me to think through all the options. While it’s great to have standards for oneself, it can also lead to self-doubt and a struggle to define one’s identity when a conflict develops between our righteous standards and what the heart wants to do. Everand struggles with this throughout all three books. Fortunately, he’s as dogged as me! Yes, I’m a persistent Taurean.
Lamiya and her loyal team definitely represent the paddlers I’ve met with their strength, enthusiasm and energy. She also has to redefine herself and come to terms with an end identity that is way beyond anything she anticipated, despite her ability to see future visions. She too is an all-in or nothing kind of woman.
What occurs with Mage Mantiss, Everand’s master and Head of the Guild, is perhaps a reflection of my experiences with the fragile link between wellbeing and our sense of identity, and how the mind and the body are so connected. Mantiss becomes overwhelmed by his past actions and believes he is dying. I drew upon my feelings post diagnosis with breast cancer, going from being a competitive feeling-invincible marathon runner to a survivor acutely aware of her mortality, to portray how this affects his mindset and the decisions he then takes.
To me, the characters are the best thing in a story, and their emotional journey is what will always engage me most. Mine, bless them, ended up being far more layered than I anticipated, but I am so enjoying travelling with them toward end points they can all be mighty proud of.
I felt that there were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?
I tend to start out with a writer’s question to be explored, and an overall roadmap. In this series: how far can you push someone before they compromise their integrity?
I knew Everand would be sent on a complex mission, that he’d lose his heart and have to redefine himself once he found out his master and precious Mages’ Guild were not what he’d thought, and he’d been deceived and manipulated.
I also knew the antagonist, Malach, would be multi-dimensional and elusive. I suspected he’d be the son of Mage Beetal, the complex antagonist in my first fantasy-romance series, who was Everand’s mentor at the Guild.
An organic twist I didn’t anticipate was the depth of emotional response from Everand and his earnest desire to save Malach! I hadn’t guessed how guilty he felt about his former mentor’s death and that he’d see saving Malach as a chance for redemption — for both the rogue half-mage and himself. As soon as this guilt kicked in, we were away with sooo many twists and turns, which continue throughout book three. I know I’m biased, but I love the ambiguity in the title of Fugitive Mage. Who is the real fugitive?
When will book 3 be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Eminent Mage, on track for release in early November 2023, pushes up the pace and tension yet again. So much happens! So many life-or-death decisions, including whether Everand will die for Lamiya …
In book 3 the river dragons wade their way in, adding the biggest plot twists of all. Akachi, the imperial dragon, sets Everand and Lamiya a nigh impossible task, with the future of the provinces riding on their success.
Malach, the half-mage, is like the wild card in the pack, wreaking havoc wherever he can, with Everand nobly trying to deflect him and Lamiya driving her own destiny like the feisty dragon boat captain she is. Who will be left standing? With or without their magical powers and abilities? Can Everand come to terms with the past actions of his Guild and master, Mage Mantiss?
All of Ossilis is poised for a new beginning, but only if the river dragons are appeased and the mage and the bird caller can fulfill their destinies.
Author Links: GoodReads | Smashwords | Website | Book Trailer
A simple mission … with twists and meanders that capture his heart and divert his destiny.
Just when Mage Everand thought his mission was concluded and he could follow his heart to be with Lamiya, she is kidnapped. He must save Lamiya — and fi nd out exactly who the rogue half-mage is. Forced to continue Malach’s training in magic, Everand is confronted by his past actions as the apprentice to Malach’s father.
Unexpectedly, the Guild mages forcibly translocate him home! Obliged to report on his mission, he reluctantly reveals the existence and identity of the half-mage. Appalled at the Guild’s verdict for Malach, Everand fi nds himself pitted against his master Mage Mantiss, the Head of the Guild.
Do Nothing
Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr. takes readers on a thrilling murder mystery in Do Nothing, Book 1 of The Griffin Knight series. We follow the lead detective Griffin Knight as he tries to solve a series of murders in New York City. Beginning with the death of District Attorney Natalie, the killer leaves behind cryptic clues. Then, more murders start to happen, leading Griffin to believe a serial killer is on the loose. Griffin is in a race against time to find the killer and stop him from killing his next victim.
The suspense and mystery build from the start of the chapter making this one book that is hard to put down. The story moves quickly, making this a short read, but the tension steadily builds as the story progresses. Griffin’s character is well-developed and believable. I liked his calm, cool, and collected demeanor and enjoyed getting a closer look at his thinking. I also enjoyed that the reader gets a first-person perspective of the murders, but we do not know who the murderer is. Hernandez cleverly keeps the reader guessing as we are taken on an investigation alongside Griffin. I felt like I was watching a True Crime documentary with the details of evidence collected, down to the murder scene, and interviewing suspects.
Do Nothing is a gripping murder mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. The author’s writing is skillful and engaging, and the plot is cleverly crafted. If you’re a fan of crime fiction and suspenseful thrillers, this book is a must-read. Be prepared to be taken on an emotional rollercoaster filled with twists and turns.
Pages: 82 | ASIN : B0BW6M2TKH
Life Beyond My Own
Sunrise in Saigon follows a man in an unhappy marriage who meets a woman in Vietnam and together they find a moment of joy. What was the inspiration for the relationship that developed between the characters?
Both have similar lives and shared a common desire to feel loved and cherished, even if they would not together for only a short time.
What themes were important for you to explore in this book?
The main theme is not to live our lives with any regret. Many people similar to Jack and Linh choose not to the journey. The story talks about making the journey knowing they’re always consequences to every decision. Linh and Jack knew they still wanted to be together.
What experience has had the most significant impact on your writing?
Traveling the world and cycle gave me a perspective of life beyond my own. Cycling in Vietnam, China, Portugal, Spain, and Japan, I witnessed many things that compelled me to write my novels. “Sunrise in Saigon” is part of the Jack Kendell series. I am currently writing the other six.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
“The scent of the Lotus” – Preamble to “Sunrise Saigon.” The book will focus on where Forest Adams and Bui came from.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Sunrise in Saigon is a historical romance novel about Jack Kendall and Linh Ngo, two individuals struggling with unhappy marriages and poor health. After connecting online, Jack sets out on a cycling tour of Vietnam to meet Linh while keeping his intentions hidden. They both choose to leave their current relationships and share an unforgettable romance. But like all good things, their time together is limited, and the sunrise in Saigon symbolizes their love that lasts a lifetime.
Intrigued by the country of Vietnam since 11, Jack Kendall long remembered the fall of Saigon in 1975 and its painful aftermath. Jack learns from eyewitnesses about the long shadow of the Vietnam war, its atrocities, and its aftermath.
After years of chatting online, Jack desires to follow his heart to meet Linh in person. Linh, wanting to feel Jack’s love, wanted nothing more than to be held by him.
Trapped in a loveless marriage, Linh agrees to meet Jack in Saigon. They both know they have found something special when they set eyes on each other. Despite their obstacles, they leap a faith and give their love a chance, even if it means giving up their current relationships.
Experience the passion and romance that ignites between Jack and Linh as they explore Vietnam and each other. Follow their journey as they discover the true meaning of love and the courage it takes to pursue it.
But like all good things, their time together is not forever. The sunrise in Saigon that brought them together becomes the emotional connection between them for the rest of their lives.
Reminiscing of Memories
Seasons of Life is a wonderful journey through your memories that others can relates to. What was the inspiration for the original and fascinating idea at the center of the collection of poetry?
I worked in a Nursing Home Activity Department. One of my group activities was writing poetry. The residents enjoyed a variety of poems being read to them. My long-term goal was to find poems that would encourage reminiscing of memories, events and experiences to promote conversations among the residents for an enjoyable shared group activity. Unable to find the kind of poems I wanted, I decided to write my own starting in 2006, a few hours every week. These were ideas of poems my residents could relate to. I continued to utilize poems from various resources mixed in with some of mine. The residents gave me positive comments with my poems.
When I retired in 2017 started to write five to six days a week for six hours every day. I wrote the book to be used with healthcare facilities in a group/one-to-one/independent activity for the Activity/Recreational Departments and with home care family/professional caregivers, the poems to act as a “bridge” for the reminiscing of past memories.
I love the idea behind this collection of poetry, the bridging of memories to help people remember and connect to the people around them. What is your favorite memory that you wrote about?
My favorite memory is from my poem titled “Paper Dolls”.
I loved all my paper dolls and have wonderful memories playing with them.
This seems like a very personal account of memories for you. How hard was it to put these memories out in the world for people to read?
It was a natural process. I always enjoyed writing and I’m grateful I had some time to start writing in 2006. When I retired in 2017 I was ecstatic because I could write five to six days a week for six hours every day.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your poems?
I hope the one thing readers take away from my poems is a universal feeling of enjoyment.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
Topics of fun, love, happiness, kindness, and enjoyment are described in these poems. Using the poems in a group/one-to-one/independent activity in health care facilities by the Activity/Recreational Departments and with home care family/professional caregivers, the poems act as a “bridge” for the reminiscing of past memories.
Here are some examples of the four themes: Childhood poems are about birthday cake, baseball, paper dolls, and back to school. Family poems remember photo albums, reunions, picnics, and drive in movies. Seasons of life include wedding bands, dancing, Sunday morning church service, and the four seasons (Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall). There are fifteen holidays and here are some examples of poems on Christmas: Christmas candles in church, Christmas cookies, Christmas wreath, and Santa Claus.
In Seasons of Life by Susan McLeod we experience overall pleasure by reading her variety of poems around the four themes. The poems engage in pleasant conversations remembering past memories.
Second Chance At Love
Break Heart Canyon follows a widow living alone on her farm who discovers a relic hunter in the spirit cave on her property and finds herself attracted to him. What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
Putting human needs for one another over avaricious pursuits. Justice comes to those who wait, and we are all stewards of the land and history.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Second chance at love, preserving Native American land and legends, learning about the Bone Wars that took place out west, and a bit of science regarding the eclipse.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
An unconventional medieval where the Lord and Lady of the castle are already married but must work together to save their land and the villagers as they are under siege at Yule, and
it is a test of faith, with a bit oh humor and a wonderful renewal of romance and caring for the two main characters. May be self-published hopefully out Nov 2023
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Una MacLaren vows no fortune hunter will desecrate the ancient relics of Break Heart Canyon—even if the man is a handsome scoundrel. Fighting to keep her goat farm afloat as local cattlemen hatch deadly schemes to make sure she fails, Una has enough to worry about.
Captivated by the courageous redhead, Ryker joins forces with Una and her deerhound, MacTavish. But what does he desire most—the woman or the artifacts?
When the mythical white cougar again prowls the rocky cliffs, the legend of Break Heart Canyon draws them into a web of danger. Only daring and blind trust can save them.
LITERARY TITAN 